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Fishes Under the Order Siluriformes Available in the Inland Water of Mymensingh Region, Bangladesh

Waheduzzaman Md
Sheikh Fajilatunnesa Mujib Fisheries College, Melandah, Jamalpur

Hasan Md Robiul
Dept. Fisheries and Marine Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh

Hossain Mostafa Ali Reza
Dept. Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A study was conducted to find out the threatened fishes under the Order Siluriformes available in the inland water of Bangladesh. This study was conducted from October 2010 to September 2011. Data were collected from greater Mymensingh region (Mymensingh and Netrokona districts). The study was based on frequent visits of different markets located in the selected area. Five markets of Mymensingh district were visited for 12 times each. Durgapur bazaar in Netrokona district was also visited for two times. According to the available literatures the number of available catfishes in Bangladesh was supposed to be around 59. However, 19 species under seven families were observed during the study period. There are 13 families under the Order Siluriformes but fishes under 7 families (Bagridae, Clariidae, Heteropneustidae, Pangasiidae, Schilbeidae, Siluridae and Sisoridae) were found from the study area. The highest number of catfish (7) was observed from the family Bagridae. No member was found from the family Amblycipitidae, Ariidae, Chacidae, Erethistidae, Olyridae and Plotosidae. According to IUCN Bangladesh National Categories, the study found 4 Critically endangered (CR), 5 Endangered (EN), 1 Vulnerable (VU) and 9 Not threatened (NO) catfish species. Present biodiversity status of the observed catfishes is slightly different from IUCN status. Among the 19 species found, 6 were considered as Not threatened (32%) and 13 as threatened (68%) of which 3 Endangered (16%) and 10 Vulnerable (52%). The less availability of some catfishes and at the same time non availability of some other catfishes are the alarming sign of loss of biodiversity in catfishes not only in the study area but also in the whole country.

Keywords: Siluriformes, Catfishes, Biodiversity

Location: Mymensingh and Netrokona districts

Start Date: 00-10-2010

End Date: 00-09-2011

Program Area: Resource Development and Management

Commodity: Cat fish

Objectives:

To find out the threatened fishes under the Order Siluriformes available in the inland water of Bangladesh.

Methodology:

The research activities were carried out for twelve months in some areas of Bangladesh. The study was based on fish market visit and data collection from the fish traders. The investigation was carried out during October 2010 to September 2011. Selection of study area: Five markets of Mymensingh district were visited for 12 times each and the Durgapur bazaar in Netrokona district were visited for two times. The names of the visited markets are Vabokhali bazaar, Notun bazaar, Shomvuganj bazaar, Machua bazaar and Pourosova bazaar. Market visit of the selected area: Visual observation on the abundance of the catfish species were carried out on the spots. Relevant data such as local name of the found catfishes, source, distribution and availability of the species, price and demand of the catfishes etc. were collected from the study sites. Method of determining catfish biodiversity: The weight of the available catfishes was recorded in separate data sheet for each market. Then the raw data were tabulated in spread sheet using MS Excel. The average weight of the found catfishes in each market was determined. After that the average weight of all the fishes found in six markets were calculated using the previous value. Finally, species richness and species biodiversity index were measured by using the following two formulas. Biodiversity status of the found catfishes was measured by using species richness and biodiversity index. Biodiversity index is the more reliable measure to determine the biodiversity status. A species is considered under the categories of threat if it’s biodiversity index is more than 4. The status is considered as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU) when the species biodiversity index are 10 - <13, 7 - <10 and 4 - <7 respectively.

Source of Information: BANGLADESH JOURNAL OF PROGRESSIVE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 11 (1): 115-120 [January, 2013]

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The social and economic importance of catfishes is high. Catfishes are considered as valuable freshwater fishes because of its medicinal value. A number of the catfishes in Bangladesh are considered as Small Indigenous Species (SIS) which have not only high protein value but also aesthetic importance as these are used as ornamental fishes. However, catfishes are becoming threatened due to its high demand but low supply. These valuable catfishes will be extinct in near future if effective conservation measures are not taken from now. To protect the valuable catfishes of Bangladesh it is essential to improve the fish habitat. For this purposes, the authority of the country should strengthen and enforce the fishing law properly. As these fishes are economically important, qualitative and quantitative study on the availability of catfishes throughout the country is needed. Hence, a long term investigation of the catfishes is essential not only for the protecting biodiversity but also supporting the poor people for their sustainable livelihood. Therefore, the Government, NGOs, national and international organizations should take necessary measures to protect and conserve these valuable catfishes.

Knowledge Management: Journal